Congratulations Leah, I am so excited for you and your family! I am very happy you got to have the natural birth you wanted, it truly is an amazing experience. I can't believe we ended up having our babies the same day, that's so crazy!! Were you able to do a water birth or at least labor in the water for some of the time?

Thanks Jac I did labor in the tub a little bit, but I think it might have slowed my contractions down a bit and so I got out after not too long. It was very relaxing, but since my water broke first thing and my contractions weren't growing too quickly, I spent the most of my birthing time on the ball and then once things really picked up, I was sitting mostly upright in the bed and then mostly on my side during pushing. I am amazed that you were able to go all natural with 45 min of pushing...my pushing time was only about 15 min tops and I was borderline totally losing it without any meds at that point!! I think some women just have a higher tolerance for pain...you did wonderful!

__________________Leah, Jesus lover, wife to youth pastor Todd
and loving being a Homeschooling/SAHM to 6 boys!

Thanks Jac I did labor in the tub a little bit, but I think it might have slowed my contractions down a bit and so I got out after not too long. It was very relaxing, but since my water broke first thing and my contractions weren't growing too quickly, I spent the most of my birthing time on the ball and then once things really picked up, I was sitting mostly upright in the bed and then mostly on my side during pushing. I am amazed that you were able to go all natural with 45 min of pushing...my pushing time was only about 15 min tops and I was borderline totally losing it without any meds at that point!! I think some women just have a higher tolerance for pain...you did wonderful!

I'm glad you got to at least try the water out and I'm so glad you were able to find positions that worked well for you. I've always had the birth ball but never chosen to use it. As far as pushing it was pretty difficult especially since it felt like I wasn't getting anywhere until I got past the lip of cervix. With DD1 I pushed for about an hour and with DS I pushed for 15min so I've had a good range of pushing times. It is hard and very challenging but once you get through it it is so worth it